Is ESA consultation required for projects that are clearly beneficial to habitat for listed species?
A. Yes. The ESA requires us to consult on any project that may affect listed species, even if those effects are beneficial. Many times, our analysis of habitat restoration projects focuses on the short-term impacts. Even if a habitat restoration project may be tremendously beneficial over the long-term, temporary construction activities may result in short-term adverse effects to listed species. For example, construction may require de-watering or diversion of a stream, temporary increases in turbidity, or the increased risk for fuel spills into sensitive habitats. The ESA requires us to consider all types of impacts. During the consultation process, we work with the Services and the applicant to minimize the potential for harm or “take” of listed species and their habitat, even if the adverse effects are only temporary. We have worked to streamline the consultation process for habitat restoration projects so that we can move such projects through our regulatory process in a timely man
Related Questions
- TOP If EFH overlaps with critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), do two individual consultations have to be considered?
- Why is the Corps pursuing programmatic consultation on habitat restoration projects before other kinds of projects?
- Is ESA consultation required for projects that are clearly beneficial to habitat for listed species?
